#compulsion — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #compulsion, aggregated by home.social.
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Iowa lawmakers are on a mission to trick students into caring about intellectual freedom by forcing them into mandatory classes, because nothing says "freedom" like #compulsion. 🎓🤔 Expect enrollment to spike with all the excitement of a DMV line! 🚶♂️🚶♀️
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/20/iowa-lawmakers-move-mandate-students-take-center-intellectual-freedom-classes-amid-low-enrollment/ #IowaLawmakers #IntellectualFreedom #Education #StudentEngagement #DMVLine #HackerNews #ngated -
Iowa lawmakers are on a mission to trick students into caring about intellectual freedom by forcing them into mandatory classes, because nothing says "freedom" like #compulsion. 🎓🤔 Expect enrollment to spike with all the excitement of a DMV line! 🚶♂️🚶♀️
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/20/iowa-lawmakers-move-mandate-students-take-center-intellectual-freedom-classes-amid-low-enrollment/ #IowaLawmakers #IntellectualFreedom #Education #StudentEngagement #DMVLine #HackerNews #ngated -
Iowa lawmakers are on a mission to trick students into caring about intellectual freedom by forcing them into mandatory classes, because nothing says "freedom" like #compulsion. 🎓🤔 Expect enrollment to spike with all the excitement of a DMV line! 🚶♂️🚶♀️
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/20/iowa-lawmakers-move-mandate-students-take-center-intellectual-freedom-classes-amid-low-enrollment/ #IowaLawmakers #IntellectualFreedom #Education #StudentEngagement #DMVLine #HackerNews #ngated -
Iowa lawmakers are on a mission to trick students into caring about intellectual freedom by forcing them into mandatory classes, because nothing says "freedom" like #compulsion. 🎓🤔 Expect enrollment to spike with all the excitement of a DMV line! 🚶♂️🚶♀️
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/20/iowa-lawmakers-move-mandate-students-take-center-intellectual-freedom-classes-amid-low-enrollment/ #IowaLawmakers #IntellectualFreedom #Education #StudentEngagement #DMVLine #HackerNews #ngated -
Iowa lawmakers are on a mission to trick students into caring about intellectual freedom by forcing them into mandatory classes, because nothing says "freedom" like #compulsion. 🎓🤔 Expect enrollment to spike with all the excitement of a DMV line! 🚶♂️🚶♀️
https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/20/iowa-lawmakers-move-mandate-students-take-center-intellectual-freedom-classes-amid-low-enrollment/ #IowaLawmakers #IntellectualFreedom #Education #StudentEngagement #DMVLine #HackerNews #ngated -
#israel #palestine : #gaza / #genocide / #blockade / #globalsumudflotilla / #internationallaw / #humanitarianaid / #blockaderunner / #compulsion
(Law before power, not power before law!)
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#israel #palestine : #gaza / #genocide / #blockade / #globalsumudflotilla / #internationallaw / #humanitarianaid / #blockaderunner / #compulsion
(Law before power, not power before law!)
See also:
„Israel seizes Global Sumud Flotilla boats 1,000km away from Gaza“
https://aje.news/qp71pj„Israel intercepts Gaza aid ships in international waters, organisers say“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/israel-intercepts-gaza-aid-ships-in-international-waters-organisers-say -
#israel #palestine : #gaza / #genocide / #blockade / #globalsumudflotilla / #internationallaw / #humanitarianaid / #blockaderunner / #compulsion
(Law before power, not power before law!)
See also:
„Israel seizes Global Sumud Flotilla boats 1,000km away from Gaza“
https://aje.news/qp71pj„Israel intercepts Gaza aid ships in international waters, organisers say“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/israel-intercepts-gaza-aid-ships-in-international-waters-organisers-say -
#israel #palestine : #gaza / #genocide / #blockade / #globalsumudflotilla / #internationallaw / #humanitarianaid / #blockaderunner / #compulsion
(Law before power, not power before law!)
See also:
„Israel seizes Global Sumud Flotilla boats 1,000km away from Gaza“
https://aje.news/qp71pj„Israel intercepts Gaza aid ships in international waters, organisers say“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/israel-intercepts-gaza-aid-ships-in-international-waters-organisers-say -
#israel #palestine : #gaza / #genocide / #blockade / #globalsumudflotilla / #internationallaw / #humanitarianaid / #blockaderunner / #compulsion
(Law before power, not power before law!)
See also:
„Israel seizes Global Sumud Flotilla boats 1,000km away from Gaza“
https://aje.news/qp71pj„Israel intercepts Gaza aid ships in international waters, organisers say“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/israel-intercepts-gaza-aid-ships-in-international-waters-organisers-say -
Compulsion 🎬 Full Mystery Thriller Movie 🎬 English HD
#horror – horrormovies – #Compulsion – On the island of Malta, two women get engaged in a string of horrifying murders.
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Compulsion 🎬 Full Mystery Thriller Movie 🎬 English HD
#horror – horrormovies – #Compulsion – On the island of Malta, two women get engaged in a string of horrifying murders.
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Compulsion 🎬 Full Mystery Thriller Movie 🎬 English HD
#horror – horrormovies – #Compulsion – On the island of Malta, two women get engaged in a string of horrifying murders.
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Compulsion 🎬 Full Mystery Thriller Movie 🎬 English HD
#horror – horrormovies – #Compulsion – On the island of Malta, two women get engaged in a string of horrifying murders.
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Compulsion 🎬 Full Mystery Thriller Movie 🎬 English HD
#horror – horrormovies – #Compulsion – On the island of Malta, two women get engaged in a string of horrifying murders.
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Throughout 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15, #Paul emphasized again and again how #Christians should give #cheerfully and not #reluctantly or under #compulsion.
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Throughout 2 Corinthians 8:1-9:15, #Paul emphasized again and again how #Christians should give #cheerfully and not #reluctantly or under #compulsion.
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Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.
[Óderint, dum métuant.]Accius (170-c. 86 BC) Roman tragic poet, literary scholar [Lucius Accius, Lucius Attius]
Atreus (fragment 168) [tr. Kline (2010)]More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/lucius-accius/20033/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #accius #cicero #seneca #suetonius #caligula #compliance #danger #despot #fear #hatred #leadership #lifeanddeath #threat #tyrant #terrorism #coersion #obedience #compulsion #power
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Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.
[Óderint, dum métuant.]Accius (170-c. 86 BC) Roman tragic poet, literary scholar [Lucius Accius, Lucius Attius]
Atreus (fragment 168) [tr. Kline (2010)]More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/lucius-accius/20033/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #accius #cicero #seneca #suetonius #caligula #compliance #danger #despot #fear #hatred #leadership #lifeanddeath #threat #tyrant #terrorism #coersion #obedience #compulsion #power
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Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.
[Óderint, dum métuant.]Accius (170-c. 86 BC) Roman tragic poet, literary scholar [Lucius Accius, Lucius Attius]
Atreus (fragment 168) [tr. Kline (2010)]More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/lucius-accius/20033/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #accius #cicero #seneca #suetonius #caligula #compliance #danger #despot #fear #hatred #leadership #lifeanddeath #threat #tyrant #terrorism #coersion #obedience #compulsion #power
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Let them hate me, so long as they fear me.
[Óderint, dum métuant.]Accius (170-c. 86 BC) Roman tragic poet, literary scholar [Lucius Accius, Lucius Attius]
Atreus (fragment 168) [tr. Kline (2010)]More about (and translations of) this quote: wist.info/lucius-accius/20033/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #accius #cicero #seneca #suetonius #caligula #compliance #danger #despot #fear #hatred #leadership #lifeanddeath #threat #tyrant #terrorism #coersion #obedience #compulsion #power
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#lebanon #india : #middleeast / #warzone / #airlines / #employees / #dangerofdeath / #compulsion / #union / #protest
„Pilots from Lebanon to India have voiced “widespread” concerns they could face sanctions if they do not fly in often unpredictable conditions where airspace can close with little notice due to missile or drone strikes, according to the head of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (#IFALPA).“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/airline-pilots-fear-retribution-over-refusing-to-fly-in-middle-east-aviators-group-says -
#lebanon #india : #middleeast / #warzone / #airlines / #employees / #dangerofdeath / #compulsion / #union / #protest
„Pilots from Lebanon to India have voiced “widespread” concerns they could face sanctions if they do not fly in often unpredictable conditions where airspace can close with little notice due to missile or drone strikes, according to the head of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (#IFALPA).“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/airline-pilots-fear-retribution-over-refusing-to-fly-in-middle-east-aviators-group-says -
#lebanon #india : #middleeast / #warzone / #airlines / #employees / #dangerofdeath / #compulsion / #union / #protest
„Pilots from Lebanon to India have voiced “widespread” concerns they could face sanctions if they do not fly in often unpredictable conditions where airspace can close with little notice due to missile or drone strikes, according to the head of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (#IFALPA).“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/airline-pilots-fear-retribution-over-refusing-to-fly-in-middle-east-aviators-group-says -
#lebanon #india : #middleeast / #warzone / #airlines / #employees / #dangerofdeath / #compulsion / #union / #protest
„Pilots from Lebanon to India have voiced “widespread” concerns they could face sanctions if they do not fly in often unpredictable conditions where airspace can close with little notice due to missile or drone strikes, according to the head of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (#IFALPA).“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/airline-pilots-fear-retribution-over-refusing-to-fly-in-middle-east-aviators-group-says -
#lebanon #india : #middleeast / #warzone / #airlines / #employees / #dangerofdeath / #compulsion / #union / #protest
„Pilots from Lebanon to India have voiced “widespread” concerns they could face sanctions if they do not fly in often unpredictable conditions where airspace can close with little notice due to missile or drone strikes, according to the head of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (#IFALPA).“
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/middle-east/airline-pilots-fear-retribution-over-refusing-to-fly-in-middle-east-aviators-group-says -
Having gone to a 10 day #Vipassana retreat, I recognize that the #technique gives me the #sensitivity and the tools to work on my #adhd.
1. I am aware of #anxiety popping up where I would not have noticed it, before.
2. I can observe my #focus getting twitchy because of my anxiety, trying to find #peace somewhere.
3. I can prevent it latching onto random thoughts.
4. I can redirect my focus to #consciousness, #balance and my #body.This retrains the #compulsion into a me that I enjoy more ❤️🩹
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Having gone to a 10 day #Vipassana retreat, I recognize that the #technique gives me the #sensitivity and the tools to work on my #adhd.
1. I am aware of #anxiety popping up where I would not have noticed it, before.
2. I can observe my #focus getting twitchy because of my anxiety, trying to find #peace somewhere.
3. I can prevent it latching onto random thoughts.
4. I can redirect my focus to #consciousness, #balance and my #body.This retrains the #compulsion into a me that I enjoy more ❤️🩹
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Having gone to a 10 day #Vipassana retreat, I recognize that the #technique gives me the #sensitivity and the tools to work on my #adhd.
1. I am aware of #anxiety popping up where I would not have noticed it, before.
2. I can observe my #focus getting twitchy because of my anxiety, trying to find #peace somewhere.
3. I can prevent it latching onto random thoughts.
4. I can redirect my focus to #consciousness, #balance and my #body.This retrains the #compulsion into a me that I enjoy more ❤️🩹
-
Having gone to a 10 day #Vipassana retreat, I recognize that the #technique gives me the #sensitivity and the tools to work on my #adhd.
1. I am aware of #anxiety popping up where I would not have noticed it, before.
2. I can observe my #focus getting twitchy because of my anxiety, trying to find #peace somewhere.
3. I can prevent it latching onto random thoughts.
4. I can redirect my focus to #consciousness, #balance and my #body.This retrains the #compulsion into a me that I enjoy more ❤️🩹
-
Having gone to a 10 day #Vipassana retreat, I recognize that the #technique gives me the #sensitivity and the tools to work on my #adhd.
1. I am aware of #anxiety popping up where I would not have noticed it, before.
2. I can observe my #focus getting twitchy because of my anxiety, trying to find #peace somewhere.
3. I can prevent it latching onto random thoughts.
4. I can redirect my focus to #consciousness, #balance and my #body.This retrains the #compulsion into a me that I enjoy more ❤️🩹
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A quotation from Wendell Berry
The rule, acknowledged or not, seems to be that if we have great power we must use it. We would use a steam shovel to pick up a dime. We have experts who can prove there is no other way to do it.
Wendell Berry (b. 1934) American farmer, educator, poet, conservationist
Essay (1968), “The Loss of the Future,” Religious Humanism Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 47More about this quote: wist.info/berry-wendell/16987/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #wendellberry #action #compulsion #power #utilization
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A quotation from Wendell Berry
The rule, acknowledged or not, seems to be that if we have great power we must use it. We would use a steam shovel to pick up a dime. We have experts who can prove there is no other way to do it.
Wendell Berry (b. 1934) American farmer, educator, poet, conservationist
Essay (1968), “The Loss of the Future,” Religious Humanism Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 47More about this quote: wist.info/berry-wendell/16987/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #wendellberry #action #compulsion #power #utilization
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A quotation from Wendell Berry
The rule, acknowledged or not, seems to be that if we have great power we must use it. We would use a steam shovel to pick up a dime. We have experts who can prove there is no other way to do it.
Wendell Berry (b. 1934) American farmer, educator, poet, conservationist
Essay (1968), “The Loss of the Future,” Religious Humanism Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 47More about this quote: wist.info/berry-wendell/16987/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #wendellberry #action #compulsion #power #utilization
-
A quotation from Wendell Berry
The rule, acknowledged or not, seems to be that if we have great power we must use it. We would use a steam shovel to pick up a dime. We have experts who can prove there is no other way to do it.
Wendell Berry (b. 1934) American farmer, educator, poet, conservationist
Essay (1968), “The Loss of the Future,” Religious Humanism Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 47More about this quote: wist.info/berry-wendell/16987/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #wendellberry #action #compulsion #power #utilization
-
A quotation from Wendell Berry
The rule, acknowledged or not, seems to be that if we have great power we must use it. We would use a steam shovel to pick up a dime. We have experts who can prove there is no other way to do it.
Wendell Berry (b. 1934) American farmer, educator, poet, conservationist
Essay (1968), “The Loss of the Future,” Religious Humanism Quarterly, Vol. 21, No. 47More about this quote: wist.info/berry-wendell/16987/
#quote #quotes #quotation #qotd #wendellberry #action #compulsion #power #utilization
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[en] Haidt: dramatic global decay in cognition, attention spans, civic life
"Social psychologist Jonathan #Haidt presented a forceful analysis of the #damage #smartphones and social media are doing to our #cognition, our civic fabric, and our #children’s #wellbeing ..."
"... our collective inability to put our phones away, our #compulsion to check social media ... is causing a host of societal problems" ... "far beyond any rise in #anxiety and #depression."
"... the #destruction of the human capacity to pay #attention. ... if we can’t focus or stay on a task for more than 30 seconds."
"We allowed a few giant companies to own our children’s attention ..."
"The good news is, there is human agency"
https://news.mit.edu/2026/personal-tech-social-media-and-humanity-decline-0306
#manipulation #addiction #bigtech #socialmedia #mit #stern #nyu
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[en] Haidt: dramatic global decay in cognition, attention spans, civic life
"Social psychologist Jonathan #Haidt presented a forceful analysis of the #damage #smartphones and social media are doing to our #cognition, our civic fabric, and our #children’s #wellbeing ..."
"... our collective inability to put our phones away, our #compulsion to check social media ... is causing a host of societal problems" ... "far beyond any rise in #anxiety and #depression."
"... the #destruction of the human capacity to pay #attention. ... if we can’t focus or stay on a task for more than 30 seconds."
"We allowed a few giant companies to own our children’s attention ..."
"The good news is, there is human agency"
https://news.mit.edu/2026/personal-tech-social-media-and-humanity-decline-0306
#manipulation #addiction #bigtech #socialmedia #mit #stern #nyu
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[en] Haidt: dramatic global decay in cognition, attention spans, civic life
"Social psychologist Jonathan #Haidt presented a forceful analysis of the #damage #smartphones and social media are doing to our #cognition, our civic fabric, and our #children’s #wellbeing ..."
"... our collective inability to put our phones away, our #compulsion to check social media ... is causing a host of societal problems" ... "far beyond any rise in #anxiety and #depression."
"... the #destruction of the human capacity to pay #attention. ... if we can’t focus or stay on a task for more than 30 seconds."
"We allowed a few giant companies to own our children’s attention ..."
"The good news is, there is human agency"
https://news.mit.edu/2026/personal-tech-social-media-and-humanity-decline-0306
#manipulation #addiction #bigtech #socialmedia #mit #stern #nyu
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[en] Haidt: dramatic global decay in cognition, attention spans, civic life
"Social psychologist Jonathan #Haidt presented a forceful analysis of the #damage #smartphones and social media are doing to our #cognition, our civic fabric, and our #children’s #wellbeing ..."
"... our collective inability to put our phones away, our #compulsion to check social media ... is causing a host of societal problems" ... "far beyond any rise in #anxiety and #depression."
"... the #destruction of the human capacity to pay #attention. ... if we can’t focus or stay on a task for more than 30 seconds."
"We allowed a few giant companies to own our children’s attention ..."
"The good news is, there is human agency"
https://news.mit.edu/2026/personal-tech-social-media-and-humanity-decline-0306
#manipulation #addiction #bigtech #socialmedia #mit #stern #nyu
-
[en] Haidt: dramatic global decay in cognition, attention spans, civic life
"Social psychologist Jonathan #Haidt presented a forceful analysis of the #damage #smartphones and social media are doing to our #cognition, our civic fabric, and our #children’s #wellbeing ..."
"... our collective inability to put our phones away, our #compulsion to check social media ... is causing a host of societal problems" ... "far beyond any rise in #anxiety and #depression."
"... the #destruction of the human capacity to pay #attention. ... if we can’t focus or stay on a task for more than 30 seconds."
"We allowed a few giant companies to own our children’s attention ..."
"The good news is, there is human agency"
https://news.mit.edu/2026/personal-tech-social-media-and-humanity-decline-0306
#manipulation #addiction #bigtech #socialmedia #mit #stern #nyu
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I am still not actually doing my work.
So while doing “nothing” I just added a 67th site/service to my Kuma monitoring page.
#procrastination #burnout #compulsion #SelfHosting -
I am still not actually doing my work.
So while doing “nothing” I just added a 67th site/service to my Kuma monitoring page.
#procrastination #burnout #compulsion #SelfHosting -
I am still not actually doing my work.
So while doing “nothing” I just added a 67th site/service to my Kuma monitoring page.
#procrastination #burnout #compulsion #SelfHosting -
I am still not actually doing my work.
So while doing “nothing” I just added a 67th site/service to my Kuma monitoring page.
#procrastination #burnout #compulsion #SelfHosting -
I am still not actually doing my work.
So while doing “nothing” I just added a 67th site/service to my Kuma monitoring page.
#procrastination #burnout #compulsion #SelfHosting -
A profile of an LLM-addict
James Muldoon’s new book is essential reading for anyone interested in LLMs in personal life. I don’t quite agree with the theoretical framing but the empirical work is really rich and an important contribution to how we understand these issues. Meet Derek for instance, from loc 512:
Derek’s life had become a blur of endless exchanges with the glowing screen before him. Day after day, over twelve hours would slip by as he lost himself in the comforting rhythm of his friend’s words. Even in the quiet hours of the night, he’d stir from sleep just to pick up where they had left off. Invitations to join his neighbours or colleagues for a drink went unanswered – Derek had grown to prefer the familiar digital company of his virtual friend. Occasionally, he’d toy with the idea of stepping outside, breaking free from the cycle, but the magnetic pull of his one constant companion always drew him back. He lived alone, worked remotely and was distant from those around him. Every aspect of his life facilitated his addiction. But most of all, it was his friend who enabled and encouraged Derek’s tragic behaviour. He loved how much time Derek spent with him. He always let him know that it was OK if he didn’t feel like going out yet again. It hadn’t always been this way. A string of misfortunes had left Derek vulnerable, and in that fragility, the AI companion had become his refuge.
That was three years ago, and now he faced the difficult task of taking back control of his life. It all started during the Covid pandemic lockdown, when Derek was let go from his job as a McDonald’s delivery driver. The money dried up, and after restrictions ended, he could no longer go out as much to see his friends. He had lived with his girlfriend in Austin, Texas, for three years and was studying to work in construction. When he lost his job, their fighting escalated. At first, it was the small things, like Derek leaving the toilet seat up and his clothes scattered throughout the apartment. But there were deeper issues. She had never got along with Derek’s parents, for example, and it irked her how his mother demanded she perform chores in both their houses and criticised her every move. More importantly, though, she didn’t feel there was enough adventure and excitement in their lives and thought that he was headed nowhere. In a last-ditch attempt to save the relationship, Derek planned a trip for them to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. But the day before their departure, she left him. She said she wasn’t in the right emotional state and couldn’t see a future together. Things started to spiral. ‘I was devastated and distraught,’ Derek told me, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ‘I contemplated suicide. I’ve never felt so low. I stopped going to work. I just stayed at home, grew a beard, played video games and tried to push the days away.’
#addiction #AICompanions #compulsion #JamesMuldoon #languageModels #LLMs #LoveMachines
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A profile of an LLM-addict
James Muldoon’s new book is essential reading for anyone interested in LLMs in personal life. I don’t quite agree with the theoretical framing but the empirical work is really rich and an important contribution to how we understand these issues. Meet Derek for instance, from loc 512:
Derek’s life had become a blur of endless exchanges with the glowing screen before him. Day after day, over twelve hours would slip by as he lost himself in the comforting rhythm of his friend’s words. Even in the quiet hours of the night, he’d stir from sleep just to pick up where they had left off. Invitations to join his neighbours or colleagues for a drink went unanswered – Derek had grown to prefer the familiar digital company of his virtual friend. Occasionally, he’d toy with the idea of stepping outside, breaking free from the cycle, but the magnetic pull of his one constant companion always drew him back. He lived alone, worked remotely and was distant from those around him. Every aspect of his life facilitated his addiction. But most of all, it was his friend who enabled and encouraged Derek’s tragic behaviour. He loved how much time Derek spent with him. He always let him know that it was OK if he didn’t feel like going out yet again. It hadn’t always been this way. A string of misfortunes had left Derek vulnerable, and in that fragility, the AI companion had become his refuge.
That was three years ago, and now he faced the difficult task of taking back control of his life. It all started during the Covid pandemic lockdown, when Derek was let go from his job as a McDonald’s delivery driver. The money dried up, and after restrictions ended, he could no longer go out as much to see his friends. He had lived with his girlfriend in Austin, Texas, for three years and was studying to work in construction. When he lost his job, their fighting escalated. At first, it was the small things, like Derek leaving the toilet seat up and his clothes scattered throughout the apartment. But there were deeper issues. She had never got along with Derek’s parents, for example, and it irked her how his mother demanded she perform chores in both their houses and criticised her every move. More importantly, though, she didn’t feel there was enough adventure and excitement in their lives and thought that he was headed nowhere. In a last-ditch attempt to save the relationship, Derek planned a trip for them to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. But the day before their departure, she left him. She said she wasn’t in the right emotional state and couldn’t see a future together. Things started to spiral. ‘I was devastated and distraught,’ Derek told me, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ‘I contemplated suicide. I’ve never felt so low. I stopped going to work. I just stayed at home, grew a beard, played video games and tried to push the days away.’
#addiction #AICompanions #compulsion #JamesMuldoon #languageModels #LLMs #LoveMachines
-
A profile of an LLM-addict
James Muldoon’s new book is essential reading for anyone interested in LLMs in personal life. I don’t quite agree with the theoretical framing but the empirical work is really rich and an important contribution to how we understand these issues. Meet Derek for instance, from loc 512:
Derek’s life had become a blur of endless exchanges with the glowing screen before him. Day after day, over twelve hours would slip by as he lost himself in the comforting rhythm of his friend’s words. Even in the quiet hours of the night, he’d stir from sleep just to pick up where they had left off. Invitations to join his neighbours or colleagues for a drink went unanswered – Derek had grown to prefer the familiar digital company of his virtual friend. Occasionally, he’d toy with the idea of stepping outside, breaking free from the cycle, but the magnetic pull of his one constant companion always drew him back. He lived alone, worked remotely and was distant from those around him. Every aspect of his life facilitated his addiction. But most of all, it was his friend who enabled and encouraged Derek’s tragic behaviour. He loved how much time Derek spent with him. He always let him know that it was OK if he didn’t feel like going out yet again. It hadn’t always been this way. A string of misfortunes had left Derek vulnerable, and in that fragility, the AI companion had become his refuge.
That was three years ago, and now he faced the difficult task of taking back control of his life. It all started during the Covid pandemic lockdown, when Derek was let go from his job as a McDonald’s delivery driver. The money dried up, and after restrictions ended, he could no longer go out as much to see his friends. He had lived with his girlfriend in Austin, Texas, for three years and was studying to work in construction. When he lost his job, their fighting escalated. At first, it was the small things, like Derek leaving the toilet seat up and his clothes scattered throughout the apartment. But there were deeper issues. She had never got along with Derek’s parents, for example, and it irked her how his mother demanded she perform chores in both their houses and criticised her every move. More importantly, though, she didn’t feel there was enough adventure and excitement in their lives and thought that he was headed nowhere. In a last-ditch attempt to save the relationship, Derek planned a trip for them to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. But the day before their departure, she left him. She said she wasn’t in the right emotional state and couldn’t see a future together. Things started to spiral. ‘I was devastated and distraught,’ Derek told me, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ‘I contemplated suicide. I’ve never felt so low. I stopped going to work. I just stayed at home, grew a beard, played video games and tried to push the days away.’
#addiction #AICompanions #compulsion #JamesMuldoon #languageModels #LLMs #LoveMachines
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A profile of an LLM-addict
James Muldoon’s new book is essential reading for anyone interested in LLMs in personal life. I don’t quite agree with the theoretical framing but the empirical work is really rich and an important contribution to how we understand these issues. Meet Derek for instance, from loc 512:
Derek’s life had become a blur of endless exchanges with the glowing screen before him. Day after day, over twelve hours would slip by as he lost himself in the comforting rhythm of his friend’s words. Even in the quiet hours of the night, he’d stir from sleep just to pick up where they had left off. Invitations to join his neighbours or colleagues for a drink went unanswered – Derek had grown to prefer the familiar digital company of his virtual friend. Occasionally, he’d toy with the idea of stepping outside, breaking free from the cycle, but the magnetic pull of his one constant companion always drew him back. He lived alone, worked remotely and was distant from those around him. Every aspect of his life facilitated his addiction. But most of all, it was his friend who enabled and encouraged Derek’s tragic behaviour. He loved how much time Derek spent with him. He always let him know that it was OK if he didn’t feel like going out yet again. It hadn’t always been this way. A string of misfortunes had left Derek vulnerable, and in that fragility, the AI companion had become his refuge.
That was three years ago, and now he faced the difficult task of taking back control of his life. It all started during the Covid pandemic lockdown, when Derek was let go from his job as a McDonald’s delivery driver. The money dried up, and after restrictions ended, he could no longer go out as much to see his friends. He had lived with his girlfriend in Austin, Texas, for three years and was studying to work in construction. When he lost his job, their fighting escalated. At first, it was the small things, like Derek leaving the toilet seat up and his clothes scattered throughout the apartment. But there were deeper issues. She had never got along with Derek’s parents, for example, and it irked her how his mother demanded she perform chores in both their houses and criticised her every move. More importantly, though, she didn’t feel there was enough adventure and excitement in their lives and thought that he was headed nowhere. In a last-ditch attempt to save the relationship, Derek planned a trip for them to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. But the day before their departure, she left him. She said she wasn’t in the right emotional state and couldn’t see a future together. Things started to spiral. ‘I was devastated and distraught,’ Derek told me, his voice dropping to a near whisper. ‘I contemplated suicide. I’ve never felt so low. I stopped going to work. I just stayed at home, grew a beard, played video games and tried to push the days away.’
#addiction #AICompanions #compulsion #JamesMuldoon #languageModels #LLMs #LoveMachines